Sabonis stood tall, drenched in blood, and the sight deeply shook every Knicks player.
Sprewell stood frozen in place, the ferocity gone from his face, leaving only stunned disbelief.
Even the Madman, renowned for his frenzied defense, was won over by Sabonis's fighting spirit. His eyes were filled with respect.
Allan Houston stopped in his tracks, his hands trembling slightly. He had never seen Sabonis look so resolute.
Marshall clenched his fists, his eyes reddening slightly. Sabonis's iron will ignited the fighting spirit in his heart.
Stephen Jackson sprang to his feet from the bench, wildly waving a towel and roaring in support of Sabonis.
Even the ever-composed head coach Jeff Van Gundy could not help but redden his eyes as he cast Sabonis an approving look.
Everyone was shaken by Sabonis's attitude toward the game. This normally gentle and refined Lithuanian giant had given everything for the championship.
Inside Madison Square Garden, the silence was thoroughly shattered, replaced by cheers mingled with choked sobs.
New York fans erupted as one, raising their arms and screaming wildly. Quite a few were so worked up that they clutched their heads and howled.
Some slapped their seats with all their strength; others waved Knicks flags and Li Fei Series basketball shoes, venting their shock and admiration.
Even more fans had red-rimmed eyes as gentle tears streamed down their cheeks, mixed with excitement and emotion.
Everyone knew that Sabonis had never been a player known for vicious defense or relentless hustle.
He was one of the league's premier interior playmaking masters, a calm and refined giant who played with elegance and efficiency, never deliberately seeking physical contact.
But today, for this championship trophy, for the chance to complete a historic three-peat alongside his teammates, he completely cast aside that elegance.
He had thrown